Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle with the ability to clean and sanitize pool water. The vehicle includes a housing having an interior. The vehicle includes a chemical dispenser member connected to the housing. The chemical dispenser member has a hollow interior suitable for storing chemicals for sanitizing pool water. The chemical dispenser having an inlet for allowing pool water to contact the chemical dispenser member. The chemical dispenser member having a dissolvable seal. And, upon continued contact with water, the seal dissolving. The chemical dispenser member having an outlet facilitating communication between the chemical dispenser member and the pool water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separation of substance mixtures on the micro scale. The invention further relates to a process for separating substance mixtures using the inventive device.

Abstract: A composition and method for reducing a concentration of chlorite in water. The composition comprises a mixture of ferrous iron and a polyaluminum chloride. The mixture is contacted with a water containing chlorite.

Abstract: A chlorine based bio-fouling control subsystem is utilized to facilitate shipboard water management systems such as ballast water management that employ filters. The biofouling control system can serve as a subsystem to promote antifouling and reduce the filter clogging due to biofouling, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the ballast water treatment management system. An antifouling agent of the biofouling control system breaks up the dense colonies of marine organisms being filtered or treated by the main water management systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are supercritical fluid biomass conversion machines, systems, and methods for converting a wide range of biomass materials into a plurality of reaction products including fermentable sugars and various aromatic substances.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for the revaluation of aqueous waste streams generated in the propylene oxide and styrene co-production processes. In particular, it discloses a method of reducing the organic contaminant load from a highly contaminated aqueous stream and recovery from said stream of organic compounds that may be recirculated or used as fuel in the co-generation of energy, and which comprises: acidification of said aqueous stream with inorganic acid at a pH less than 4.5; separation of the two resulting phases at a temperature greater than 40° C.; washing of the organic phase produced in the previous step with an aqueous solution of excess acid and separation of the two resulting phases.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: Dispensers, principally of water-treatment chemicals, are detailed. The floating dispensers may be inherently unstable in use, rotating approximately ninety degrees (from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal one) over the useful lifespan of the chemicals initially contained within. Movement of the dispensers to horizontal positions signals users to replace the depleted chemicals. The dispensers also may be stacked into smaller volumes for transit and storage and need not include a separate component for flow adjustment. Rotation of its components additionally may create a “dial-a-dosage” feature of the dispenser, effectively varying depletion rate of the chemicals contained therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving vermiculite's intake of ammonium, in which method heating of the crude vermiculite is conducted to a temperature where vermiculite's third dehydration step takes place, the temperature being lower than the temperature where vermiculite's fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step takes place. The invention relates also to use of the obtained vermiculite and to an absorption material, comprising vermiculite material and additives, where at least 50% of the vermiculite material comprises vermiculite, which has undergone the third dehydration step but not the fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step. The invention relates also to use of thermally treated and ammonium doped vermiculite as fertilizer/soil conditioner.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system including carbon dioxide gas injection means for injecting a carbon dioxide gas into wastewater which takes place during silicon processing to obtain raw wastewater to be treated; a wastewater tank; a filter membrane through which the raw wastewater is filtered; a liquid forwarding pump which forwards the raw wastewater to the filter membrane; and circulation/forwarding control means which can forward concentrated water and/or filtered water to the wastewater tank and which can regulate the pH of the raw wastewater to 4.0 to 6.5 to forward this wastewater to the filter membrane, when the amount of the raw wastewater present in the wastewater tank is below a reference amount.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.

Abstract: A system includes a first source including a first reactant; a second source including a second reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a first product; and a reactor. The reactor includes a first element having a wall connecting a first point and a second point, the wall extending more than 180° around the first point; and a second element movably engaged with the first element to define a reconfigurable reaction chamber capable of being in fluid communication with the first and second reactants.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing carbon dioxide present in an industrial effluent fluid stream containing carbon dioxide. A scrubbing material comprising a first component, a second component (distinct from the first component), and preferably water, is contacted with the effluent fluid stream. The first component comprises a source of calcium oxide and a source of alkali metal ions. The second component comprises a slag having one or more reactive silicate compounds. Methods of reducing carbon dioxide from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided. Carbon dioxide emission abatement systems are also disclosed. Methods of recycling industrial byproducts are further provided.

Abstract: A transportable water treatment system includes: a lower cage housing a water purifying apparatus, a middle cage housing a first water storage tank, and an upper cage housing a second water storage tank. The transportable water treatment system has a footprint approximate to the area of the lower cage. A chlorinator may be used in the water purifying apparatus that includes a bowl having an inlet at the bottom and an outlet on its side. A channel is around the inlet forcing fluid to flow to the top of the channel and over its edges. A flow diverter is positioned above the inlet adapted to transfer the flow of fluid to a substantially horizontal direction. A platform is positioned within the channel being adapted to position a single chlorine tablet within the channel. The lid is adapted for holding a plurality of chlorine tablets above the platform.

Abstract: This method of processing refuse including organic and non-organic materials is noteworthy in that it comprises the steps of: A) admixing quicklime and a highly slaked substance with said refuse, B) allowing the reaction between said organic materials to proceed to produce a product that includes a calcium organic complex and said non-organic materials, and C) separating said non-organic materials from said calcium organic complex.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to processes for extracting iron and/or calcium from geothermal brines.

Abstract: Indicators especially (although not necessarily exclusively) useful for assessing effectiveness of pool or spa water-treatment materials are described. The indicators may provide effectiveness information visually or otherwise, with certain versions including a numerical or graphical display with or without a warning light. Various versions additionally may connect directly to housings containing the water-treatment materials and be removable therefrom as desired.

Abstract: Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminates from sour water is provided. The method includes producing raw sour water within a syngas production system, and removing the contaminates from the raw sour water using a chemical reaction within a treatment unit to produce treated sour water. The treatment unit is in flow communication with the syngas production system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for treating textiles with a composition comprising the reaction product of a) an oxirane or oxetane compound comprising at least two oxirane or oxetane groups; and b) an amino silane having the formula: N(H)(R1)R2Si(OR3)3-a-b-c(OR4)a(R5Si(OR6)d(R7)e)bR8c with R1 is chosen from the group consisting of H or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one to 20 carbon atoms; R2 and R5 are independently selected from a group consisting of oxygen or a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical consisting of 1-60 carbons; R4 is a hydrocarbon radical that contains 3 to 200 carbon atoms; R3, R6, R7, and R8 and are each independently selected from the group of monovalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 200 carbon atoms; the subscript b is zero or a positive number and has a value ranging from 0 to 3; the subscripts a, and c are zero or positive and have a value ranging from 0 to 3 subject to the limitation that (a+b+c)?3; the subscripts d and e are zero or

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for chemically treating a liquid medium loaded with nitrates, primarily comprising a step in which zinc is brought into contact with said liquid medium whose pH is preferably less than 4. When this contacting step leads to the presence of residual zinc in the liquid medium, the liquid medium is circulated through at least one electrolytic cell. The invention also relates to a device for treating a liquid medium loaded with nitrates, to applications of this method, and to a device for reducing the proportion of nitrates in ground water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit for cleaning fluids, filter systems comprised of a plurality of said filter units, and the use of the filter unit or of the filter systems for filtering sludge and floating algae from water, or for purifying gases.

Abstract: A additive delivery system and method which includes a additive gel, a filter and a fluid/gel chemistry exchange region, wherein the exchange region subjects the additive gel to different types or combinations of contact with the fluid in order to control the additive release rate, maintain a uniform release rate, maintain the physical integrity of the gel or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a method of reducing the amount of crystallized salt in an aqueous stream comprises the steps of contacting the aqueous stream comprising one or more salts with an amount of a salt inhibitor sufficient to reduce the amount of crystallized salt in the aqueous stream under a set of conditions, and/or to reduce the amount of salt deposition from the aqueous stream that would otherwise occur from the aqueous stream under the essentially identical conditions, wherein the salt inhibitor comprises an at least partially water soluble compound comprising a Group 3 to Group 15 metal and/or an at least partially water soluble compound having any one of the formulae (I), (II), (III): wherein X is O or S; and R1, R2, R3, R4, and when present, R5 and/or R6 each independently comprise an organic or an inorganic functional group. A testing rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated disinfectant dispenser and method for treating wastewater in an aerobic treatment system. The dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a disinfectant supply and a dosage container for holding a dosage of disinfectant. The container is positioned within the reservoir and has a flow-regulated path for fluid communication from the reservoir into the container. The invention also includes actuation means for increasing the pressure within the dosage container to force disinfectant therefrom, and a discharge assembly for discharging fluid from the dosage container into said storage tank.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of water comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing the water in laminar flow; and (b) providing bubblefree aeration to the water. The present invention introduces aerobic treatment into wastewater settlement without any hindrance to the settlement process. The present invention is useable for any settlement step or stage, without limitation, the commonest being primary settlement or final settling.

Abstract: An embodiment of a water reclamation system has at least one water filtration module mounted to a transport vehicle. The at least one water filtration module has a plurality of water treatment vessels with a treatment media positioned therein. A waste water inlet header, a produced water collection header, and a waste water outlet header are all connected to the plurality of water treatment vessels of the at least one water filtration module. A method of reclaiming waste water comprises flowing waste water into the waste water inlet header where it is distributed into the plurality of treatment vessels. The waste water engages the treatment media and the filtered or produced water is collected in the produced water collection header. The waste water is collected in the waste water outlet header.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming pools and other pools of standing water, and in particular to a dispensing unit that distributes a chemical solution that reduces evaporation and heat loss by forming a film or monomolecular layer over the surface or substantial surface area of the swimming pool or water pond.

Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making alkali metal silicide compositions, and the compositions resulting from the method, comprising mixing an alkali metal with silicon and heating the resulting mixture to a temperature below about 475° C. The resulting compositions do not react with dry O2. Also, the invention relates to sodium silicide compositions having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprising at least three peaks with 2Theta angles selected from about 18.2, 28.5, 29.5, 33.7, 41.2, 47.4, and 56.2 and a solid state 23Na MAS NMR spectra peak at about 18 ppm. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of removing a volatile or flammable substance in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the alkali metal silicide compositions of the invention react with water to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A fast acting water purification system containing a source of silver ions which is suitable for use in personal or household water containers, where the non-potable water may contain halides or other materials that limit the solubility of silver in the non-potable water, with the purification agent including a source of silver ions and a compound containing a hydantoin ring increase the presence of silver ions in the non-potable water to a level sufficient to quickly kill harmful microorganisms in the non-potable water without the need to add additional biocides to the non-potable water or pretreat the non-potable water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of raising the pH of a body of water having a pH of less than 4.5 by introducing neutralizing agent, the raising of the pH taking place in at least two stages thus: at pH levels below 4.5, a first neutralizing agent having a final conductivity of not more than 100 ?S/cm, and, after attainment of a pH of at least 4.5, a second neutralizing agent, having a final conductivity of more than 100 ?S/cm, is introduced into the body of water, the final conductivity of the neutralizing agents being defined as the conductivity of an aqueous suspension or solution of neutralizing agent in solution equilibrium at 25° C., having a neutralizing agent content of 0.015% by weight.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water is provided, in which a wastewater is treated through a distilling process to obtain a distilled liquid, and then a reactant is added into the distilled liquid during the distilled liquid flowing to a liquid collecting tank, such that the reactant reacts with the distilled liquid by utilizing the residual temperature of the distilled liquid to form a processed liquid. Meanwhile, a system for wastewater treatment is also provided, which includes a distillation unit, a guiding unit, a means for adding the reactant, and a collecting unit. Since the present invention utilizes the residual temperature of the distilled liquid for the need of the reaction, an additional heat source is unnecessary, such that the consumption of energy can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer, which may be at the point of entry, and/or between the point of entry and point of use, and/or at the point of use. The method includes treating the water and delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, and reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for activating polymer within a water treatment facility. The system includes a polymer makedown unit for blending and mixing diluent and polymer, the makedown unit including a polymer pump and a back pressure regulator operatively connected to the polymer pump. The system further includes a source of polymer including a sealed storage container for the polymer capable of being pressurized with compressed gas. The container includes a chamber for storing polymer under pressure, the container being capable of being pressurized by compressed gas, and an outlet for outputting pressurized polymer to the polymer makedown unit. There may also be provided a desiccant filter connected by a pressurized gas line for providing dry compressed gas into the container.

Abstract: Reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions, and methods for making and using the same, are provided. Aspects of the reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions include CO2-sequestering carbonate compounds, which may be present in the hydraulic cement and/or aggregate components of the concrete. The reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

Abstract: There is provided a microbubble generating method including: supplying a gas to a rotator 2 while rotating the rotator 2 in a liquid; injecting the gas into the liquid from bubble injection holes formed in the surface of the rotator 2; and applying a shear force, produced by the relative movement between the liquid and the rotator, to gas bubbles present on and in the vicinity of the surface of the rotator 2 to generate microbubbles. The microbubble generating method can easily generate a large amount of microbubbles without forcibly creating a swirling flow of fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating effluents in process systems are provided In some embodiments, a system for treating effluent includes a process chamber having a processing volume; an exhaust conduit coupled to the process chamber to remove an effluent from the processing volume; and a reactive species generator coupled to the exhaust conduit to inject a reactive species into the exhaust conduit to treat the effluent, wherein the reactive species generator generates a reactive species comprising at least one of singlet hydrogen, hydrogen ions or hydrogen radicals. In some embodiments, a method for treating effluent includes flowing an effluent from a processing volume of a process system through an exhaust conduit fluidly coupled to the processing volume; treating the effluent in the exhaust conduit with a reactive species comprising at least one of singlet hydrogen, hydrogen ions, or hydrogen radicals; and flowing the treated effluent to an abatement system.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Abstract: Methods of separating actinides from lanthanides are disclosed. A regio-specific/stereo-specific dithiophosphinic acid having organic moieties is provided in an organic solvent that is then contacted with an acidic medium containing an actinide and a lanthanide. The method can extend to separating actinides from one another. Actinides are extracted as a complex with the dithiophosphinic acid. Separation compositions include an aqueous phase, an organic phase, dithiophosphinic acid, and at least one actinide. The compositions may include additional actinides and/or lanthanides. A method of producing a dithiophosphinic acid comprising at least two organic moieties selected from aromatics and alkyls, each moiety having at least one functional group is also disclosed. A source of sulfur is reacted with a halophosphine. An ammonium salt of the dithiophosphinic acid product is precipitated out of the reaction mixture. The precipitated salt is dissolved in ether.

Abstract: Diacylglycerol PEGs (DAG-PEGs) are used remediate oil contaminations. DA-PEGs encapsulate the oil into lipsomes in an aqueous environment. The lipsomes sequester the oil from causing damage.

Abstract: A method of removing organosilanes from a sample which involves contacting the sample with silica and allowing the organosilanes to couple to the surface of the silica. The silica can be provided as particles that are added to and mixed with the sample, or provided as a reactive filter media to which the sample is contacted.

Abstract: A method of separating, concentrating or purifying uniform carbon nanotubes with desired properties (diameter, chiral vector, etc) in a highly sensitive manner by the use of structure-sensitive properties peculiar to carbon nanotubes; and an apparatus therefor. There is provided a method of separating, concentrating, or purifying carbon nanotubes with the desired properties contained in a sample, comprising the steps of (a) irradiating a sample containing carbon nanotubes with light; and (b) selecting carbon nanotubes with desired properties. In a preferred embodiment, the light irradiation of the step (a) can be carried out in the presence of a metal so as to cause specified carbon nanotubes to selectively induce a photocatalytic reaction, resulting in metal deposition. Further, in a preferred embodiment, a given magnetic filed can be applied in the steps (b) so as to attain accumulation or concentration or carbon nanotubes with metal deposited.

Abstract: A process for treating an organic matter sludge includes, in a mixing stage, mixing an organic matter sludge and particulate sterilized organic matter, to form an organic matter mixture. This mixture is dried in a drying stage to obtain a homogeneous particulate organic product.

Abstract: A method for reducing the halogen off-gassing rate in a solid water treatment halogen-containing composition is provided comprising forming a solid water treatment halogen-containing composition comprising (a) a halogen containing source; (b) a boron-containing source and (c) a polyphosphate-containing source.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.